Norma Rafanan de Vera

Norma Rafanan de Vera was born September 28, 1947, in Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines to the late Urbano Uson Rafanan and Maria Jose Rafanan. She was the second of seven children and helped her parents tremendously with her siblings' upbringing and immigration to the United States. Her migration journey to the US began around 1961 when she was crowned as the barrio fiesta's First Princess in Carosucan Norte, Asingan. Unbeknownst to her she would meet her future husband Arturo de Vera, who served as her escort during her coronation. They reconnected several years later and were married in January 1967. She came to the US in 1968 and had her first child in June 1969. Her second child followed in July 1971. She primarily stayed home and took care of her two kids until she had the twins in June of 1977. While Arturo worked days, Norma worked nights and still managed to be a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was patient, encouraging, giving and a selfless woman.

Norma loved to be around people and everybody fell in love with her. She was adored and had the kindest soul. Her laughter was infectious. With her great memory, she easily recalled people's birthdays and being an avid Jeopardy watcher, she was competitive at knowing the answers! She enjoyed watching Seahawks games. She liked to bake bibingka, knit and crochet. Oh and she really loved to dance, especially the cha cha and tango!

Norma passed away May 29, 2017, after numerous illnesses. She was preceded in death by her brother, Urbano, Jr. and is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Arturo, Sr; their four children; Lani (Angelo) Molina, Arturo, Jr. (Corie) de Vera, Jemima (Winston) McMahon, and Arma (Ron) Rivera. Grandchildren; Benjamin, Talissa, Devyn, Ivy and Gwynn. Her brothers; Romulo, Rogelio and Henry. Sisters; Gloria and Rebecca, her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.

Norma dedicated her life to her family. She will be Greatly Missed!